Minister of Innovation, Science and Technology, Chief Uche Nnaji, has dragged the University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), the Minister of Education, and the National Universities Commission (NUC) before the Federal High Court over the alleged tampering and withholding of his academic records.

In the suit filed in September and heard on Monday in Abuja, Nnaji sought an order restraining UNN and its Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Simon Ortuanya, from withholding or altering his student file and transcript. He also requested the court to compel the release of his official academic records, which he said were being used to fuel false allegations of certificate forgery.

During the proceedings, Nnaji was represented by Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Sebastian Hon, while E. M. Asogwa appeared for UNN. The first and second respondents—the Minister of Education and the NUC—were not represented.

The minister’s media aide, Robert Ngwu, claimed that despite a court order, UNN had refused to release Nnaji’s transcript, alleging that the file was kept “under lock and key” in the office of the Vice-Chancellor.

The legal battle comes amid a media storm following an investigative report alleging that Nnaji submitted forged certificates to the federal government. The minister’s team insists the case is politically motivated and aimed at discrediting him ahead of future political developments.

As the court case continues, questions remain over the authenticity of the minister’s academic documents and the integrity of the verification process that cleared him for public office.